News Florida man gets into physical altercation with a flamingo during family Busch Gardens trip

TAMPA (CBSMiami) – An Orlando man was arrested after he reportedly attacked a flamingo at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
On Tuesday, around 6:45 p.m., Joseph Carrao was with his family in the park’s Jambo Junction animal viewing area when he reached into a pen and picked up a Chilean flamingo named Pinky. Witnesses told police Carrao, 45, then slammed it into the ground “in a rage.”

“Pinky was immediately transported to the park’s Animal Care Center where veterinarians made the decision to humanely euthanize her based on the severity of her injuries,” according to a statement from the park.

Tampa police were called and Carrao was taken into custody and charged with felony animal cruelty.

Busch Gardens said “Pinky was a beloved member of the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay family and made many appearances on behalf of the park’s conservation and education efforts. She will be sorely missed.”

Pinky the Dancing Flamingo, pictured below, had just turned 15 years old and would often dance for visitors at Busch Gardens

TAMPA (CBSMiami) – An Orlando man was arrested after he reportedly attacked a flamingo at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
On Tuesday, around 6:45 p.m., Joseph Carrao was with his family in the park’s Jambo Junction animal viewing area when he reached into a pen and picked up a Chilean flamingo named Pinky. Witnesses told police Carrao, 45, then slammed it into the ground “in a rage.”

“Pinky was immediately transported to the park’s Animal Care Center where veterinarians made the decision to humanely euthanize her based on the severity of her injuries,” according to a statement from the park.

Tampa police were called and Carrao was taken into custody and charged with felony animal cruelty.

Busch Gardens said “Pinky was a beloved member of the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay family and made many appearances on behalf of the park’s conservation and education efforts. She will be sorely missed.”

Pinky the Dancing Flamingo, pictured below, had just turned 15 years old and would often dance for visitors at Busch Gardens